Alumni
Unisan excels in international exchange programme
Palesa Mashego at the Burgas Free University in Bulgaria
Unisa’s Graduate School of Business Leadership (SBL) continues to broaden its international reach through the Erasmus+ Exchange Programme, an initiative funded by the European Union and designed to promote academic collaboration, cultural exchange and research excellence.
Through its partnership with Burgas Free University (BFU) in Bulgaria, the SBL offers postgraduate students valuable opportunities to engage in global learning environments, expand their research capabilities, and experience how leadership and innovation are shaped in diverse international contexts.
Among the 2025 participants was Palesa Mashego, a dedicated Unisa postgraduate student, former Regional Student Representative Council (RSRC) member in the Tshwane Region and now a staff member at the university. Her journey to Bulgaria proved both enriching and transformative, reflecting the university’s commitment to developing globally minded leaders through inclusive academic experiences.
Over the course of four months, Mashego successfully completed a Postgraduate Certificate in Business Studies, graduating cum laude, and made a notable mark on the international stage through her academic presentations and leadership engagements.
At the Annual International Scientific Student Conference, held in April under the theme "Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Programme: Sustainable Blue Economy", Mashego presented her paper titled The Prominence of Women in Leadership is Transforming the Corporate World: A Case Study Based on the Blue Economy.
Competing among 45 students from 19 nationalities, her research impressed the adjudicators, and her paper presentation earned her an award for academic excellence.
Under the supervision of Prof Milen Baltov, Rector of BFU, Mashego also presented a second paper titled Culture’s Influence on Management Practice Based on South Africa’s Diverse Economy at the International Conference on Entrepreneurial and Managerial Development and Training in the Industry in June. Both papers are expected to be published later this year.
Reflecting on her experience, Mashego describes the exchange as "a transformative journey that strengthened my confidence, broadened my perspective and deepened my passion for research and leadership".
The Erasmus+ partnership between the SBL and BFU continues to advance the school’s mission of nurturing globally competent and socially conscious leaders. By providing international exposure and fostering collaboration, the programme reaffirms the SBL’s commitment to shaping leaders who think critically, act ethically and lead beyond boundaries.
* By Thina Gwiliza, Communications and Marketing Specialist, Unisa Graduate School of Business Leadership
Publish date: 2025-10-28 00:00:00.0
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